Lockable media storage box with lock and key

ABSTRACT

A lockable media storage box and lock and key combination includes a box having a base and a lid hingedly connected to the base and movable between opened and closed positions. A lock is attached to the box that prevents the box from being opened until the lock is removed with a key or until the lock is destroyed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/949,178 filed Sep. 7, 2001, which is adivisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/618,652filed Jul. 18, 2000, that is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.Pat. No. 6,135,280 issued Oct. 24, 2000, which is a continuationapplication of U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,185 issued Aug. 31, 1999. Thedisclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention is directed generally to a storage box foran item of recorded media and a lock and key combination for the box.More particularly, the present invention is directed to a storage boxand lock and key combination suitable for holding an item of recordedmedia that is commonly repeatedly rented prior to being offered forsale. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a storage boxfor an item of recorded media that holds the item while it is repeatedlyrented and is configured to receive a lock carrying an EAS (electronicarticle surveillance) tag when the item of recorded media is offered forsale.

[0004] 2. Background Information

[0005] Renting items of recorded media such as video cassettes and videogames has become immensely popular in recent times given the everincreasing number of items available for home viewing and use as well asthe decrease in price of the machines that play the media. Typicalrental stores display the items available for rental in storage boxesthat protect the items from dust, ultraviolet light, and damage fromimpact if accidentally dropped. Stores protect themselves against theftby placing one or more EAS tags on or inside the item of recorded media.An EAS tag is adapted to activate an alarm when passed through a sensingdevice that may be disposed around the exit of the store. It isgenerally desirable to place the EAS tags in places where they cannot beeasily removed by a shoplifter.

[0006] A rental establishment typically places older rental stock outfor sale when it no longer needs the item for rental. When items are putout for sale, the EAS tags are removed from the items and reused onitems that are being rented. The EAS tags are removed from the items ofrecorded media prior to sale so that the purchaser will not activate thealarm systems in other stores with the EAS tags. Without the EAS tags inthe items themselves, a rental store must protect itself againstshoplifting by placing an EAS tag on the storage container holding theitem for sale. It is desirable that the EAS tag be placed on the storagecontainer in a way that allows a sales clerk to quickly and easilyremove the tag after the sale is made but also in a manner that preventsa shoplifter from easily removing the tag. Placement of the EAS tag insuch a position is, however, difficult because a storage containerprovides few, if any, areas where the EAS tag may be hidden. If the EAStag is placed on the storage container in a fashion such that it can beeasily removed, a shoplifter may simply remove the tag and steal theitem without activating the alarm. It is thus desired in the art toprovide a storage container suitable for holding and displaying an itemof recorded media during display for rental that has locking holes thatcan later accept a lock containing an EAS tag when the container is usedto sell an item.

[0007] Such a storage box and lock combination must be configured toprevent the thief from simply breaking the lock off the storage box witha small pry bar. Although the storage box and lock must be relativelystrong, the cost of manufacturing the lock and storage box must not beprohibitive. It is thus also desired in the art to provide a relativelyinexpensive storage box and lock and key combination that securely locksthe storage box while preventing a pry bar from being inserted betweenthe lock and the storage box.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the foregoing, a principal objective of the presentinvention is to provide a lockable media storage box having lockingholes that are configured to selectively accept a lock.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide alockable media storage box having locking holes that may be used withdifferent types of locks.

[0010] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide alockable media storage box that is configured to prevent a pry bar frombeing inserted between the base of the lock and the rental box.

[0011] A further objective of the present invention is to provide alockable media storage box having a lock that may carry an EAS tag in aposition where the EAS tag may not be easily removed from the lockwithout first removing the lock from the media rental box.

[0012] Still a further objective of the present invention is to providea lockable media storage box and lock combination having a minimizedoverall outer dimension that allows storage and display space to be usedefficiently.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide alockable media storage box and lock combination that includes visualelements that make the lock appear more complicated to open than itactually is.

[0014] A further objective of the present invention is to provide alockable media storage box and lock combination wherein the lock may beproperly placed in locking engagement with the storage box in more thanone orientation.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to provide alockable media storage box and lock and key combination wherein the keymay be properly engaged with the lock in more than one orientation.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide alockable media storage box and lock and key combination wherein the lockmay be disposed within the front cavity of existing media storagecontainers.

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to provide alockable media storage box and lock and key combination wherein the lockattaches itself to the existing front walls of existing media storagecontainers without requiring holes to be formed in the front wall of thecontainer.

[0018] Another objective of the present invention is to provide alockable media storage box and lock and key combination wherein the lockcovers portions of five sides of the container.

[0019] Another objective of the present invention is to provide alockable storage box and lock and key combination wherein the key isprovided by the consumer in the form of a cutting device to destroy thelock after purchasing the storage box and lock.

[0020] A further objective of the present invention is to provide alockable media storage box and lock and key combination that is ofsimple construction, which achieves the stated objectives in a simple,effective, and inexpensive manner, in which solves the problems andwhich satisfies the needs existing in the art.

[0021] These and other objectives and advantages of the invention areachieved by the security storage container of the present invention, thegeneral nature of which may be stated as including a base; a lidconnected to the base and movable between open and closed positions; alock having a first lock finger and a second lock finger; the first lockfinger engaging the lid; and the second lock finger engaging the base tolock the lid in the closed position.

[0022] Other objectives and advantages of the invention are obtained bya security storage container including a base having a bottom wall, afront wall, and a pair of sidewalls; the base including a hinge wall; alid having a top wall, a front wall, and a pair of sidewalls; the lidbeing connected to the base and moveable between open and closedpositions; the front walls of the base and lid defining a lock receptioncavity; a lock having a first lock finger and a second lock finger; thefirst lock finger engaging the base; and the second lock finger engagingthe lid to lock the lid in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of thebest modes in which the Applicants contemplated applying the principlesof the invention, are set forth in the following description and areshown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed outand set forth in the appended claims.

[0024]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an open media storage boxhaving locking holes according to the concepts of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the storage box depicted inFIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 3 is a front view of the first embodiment of lock for themedia storage box of FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 4 is a top view of the lock depicted in FIG. 3;

[0028]FIG. 5 is a rear view of the lock depicted in FIG. 3;

[0029]FIG. 6 is a top view of a key for the lock depicted in FIG. 3;

[0030]FIG. 7 is a rear view of the key depicted in FIG. 6;

[0031]FIG. 8 is a side view of the key depicted in FIG. 6 taken from theleft side;

[0032]FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

[0033]FIG. 10 is a front view of the first embodiment of the lock inlocked engagement with the media storage box depicted in FIG. 1;

[0034]FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10showing the locking fingers of the lock engaged with the locking holesof the media storage box;

[0035]FIG. 12 is a section view similar to FIG. 11 with the key of FIG.6 in a fully engaged position having moved the locking fingers into adisengaged position;

[0036]FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 11 with the key in thefully engaged position and the lock completely disengaged from the mediastorage box;

[0037]FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 11showing the locking pins of the lock in fully engaged positions;

[0038]FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 11showing one of the locking tabs of the lid in a fully engaged position;

[0039]FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 12showing the chiseled tangs of the key engaging the cantilevered arms ofthe lock;

[0040]FIG. 17 is a front view of a second embodiment of a lock for themedia storage box of FIG. 1;

[0041]FIG. 18 is a top view of the lock depicted in FIG. 17;

[0042]FIG. 19 is a rear view of the lock depicted in FIG. 17;

[0043]FIG. 20 is a top view of a key for the lock depicted in FIG. 17;

[0044]FIG. 21 is a front view of the second embodiment of the lock inlocked engagement with the media storage box depicted in FIG. 1;

[0045]FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21showing one locking finger of the lock engaging a locking hole of themedia storage box;

[0046]FIG. 23 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 22 with the key ofFIG. 20 in a fully engaged position showing the locking finger of thelock disengaged from the locking hole;

[0047]FIG. 24 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 23 with the key ofFIG. 20 in the fully engaged position and lock completely disengagedfrom the media storage box;

[0048]FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along line 25-25 in FIG. 22showing the locking pins of the lock engaged with the locking holes ofthe media storage box;

[0049]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of alternative embodiment of themedia storage box having locking holes according to the concepts of thepresent invention;

[0050]FIG. 27 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the securitystorage container of the present invention;

[0051]FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of the security storagecontainer in an open configuration;

[0052]FIG. 29 is a front elevational view of the base portion of thesecurity storage container of FIG. 27;

[0053]FIG. 30 is a front elevational view of the lid portion of thesecurity storage container of FIG. 27;

[0054]FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 27;

[0055]FIG. 32 is a view taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 28;

[0056]FIG. 33 is a sectional view taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 32;

[0057]FIG. 34 is a rear elevational view of the lock for the containerof FIG. 27;

[0058]FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of the lock of FIG. 34;

[0059]FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the lock of FIG. 34;

[0060]FIG. 37 is a side elevational view of the lock of FIG. 34;

[0061]FIG. 38 is a side view of the security storage container in aclosed configuration;

[0062]FIG. 39 is a sectional view taken along line 39-39 of FIG. 38;

[0063]FIG. 40 is a sectional view taken along line 40-40 of FIG. 37;

[0064]FIG. 41 is a view similar to FIG. 40 showing a container in aclosed configuration;

[0065]FIG. 42 is a sectional view taken through one of the latches ofthe container when the lid is closed;

[0066]FIG. 43 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of the key;

[0067]FIG. 44 is a sectional view taken along line 44-44 of FIG. 43;

[0068]FIG. 45 is a sectional view of the hub and retaining ring in aclosed configuration holding a CD or DVD in the security storagecontainer;

[0069]FIG. 46 is a sectional view of the container in a closedconfiguration with the lock being aligned for insertion;

[0070]FIG. 47 is a view similar to FIG. 46 showing the lock in theinserted and locked position;

[0071]FIG. 48 is a sectional view taken along line 48-48 of FIG. 47;

[0072]FIG. 49 is a view, partially in section, of the container beinglowered onto the key;

[0073]FIG. 50 is a view similar to FIG. 49 showing the containerdepressing the moveable portion of the key with the key pins insertedinto the lock;

[0074]FIG. 51 is a view similar to FIG. 46 showing the key pinsreleasing the lock fingers from the container;

[0075]FIG. 52 is a view similar to FIG. 46 showing the lock beingremoved from the container;

[0076]FIG. 53 is a view similar to FIG. 49 showing the container beingmoved from the key with the lock being held on the key;

[0077]FIG. 54 is a perspective view of another embodiment of thesecurity storage container of the present invention;

[0078]FIG. 55 is a view similar to FIG. 54 with the lock inserted withinthe lock reception cavity;

[0079]FIG. 56 is a sectional view taken along line 56-56 of FIG. 55;

[0080]FIG. 57 is a perspective view of another embodiment of thesecurity storage container showing the lock in a locked position;

[0081]FIG. 58 is a sectional view taken along line 58-58 of FIG. 57;

[0082]FIG. 59 is a perspective view of another embodiment of thesecurity storage container of the present invention;

[0083]FIG. 60 is a sectional view taken along line 60-60 of FIG. 59;

[0084]FIG. 61 is a perspective view of another embodiment of thesecurity storage container of the present invention;

[0085]FIG. 62 is a sectional view taken along line 62-62 of FIG. 61;

[0086]FIG. 63 is a view similar to FIG. 62 showing a key being insertedinto the lock to remove the lock from the container; and

[0087]FIG. 64 is a view similar to FIG. 62 showing the lock beingremoved from the container.

[0088] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout thespecification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0089] The lockable media rental box or storage container of the presentinvention is indicated generally at 10 in the accompanying drawings. Box10 generally includes a base, indicated generally at 12, and a lid,indicated generally at 14, that is hingedly connected to base 12 andmovable between open and closed positions. The open position is depictedin FIGS. 1 and 2 with the closed position being depicted in all of theother Figures where box 10 appears. When box 10 is in the open position,an item of recorded media (not shown) may be placed into box 10 orremoved from box 10. A pair of hubs 16 may be attached to base 12 tohelp retain the item of recorded media when it is received in box 10. Itis to be noted that the particular embodiment of box 10 depicted in theFigures is designed and configured for holding a VHS video cassette. Theconcepts of the present invention may be employed with a wide variety ofdifferently shaped boxes 10 configured to hold other types of recordedmedia such as video game cartridges, cassette tapes, compact discs,DVD's, computer discs, and the like. The VHS video cassette embodimentbeing depicted only to provide an example of the present invention andto provide an embodiment on which to describe the elements of theinvention and their interrelationship.

[0090] Base 12 generally includes a bottom wall 18 from which projects apair of sidewalls 20 and a front wall 22. Sidewalls 20 are connected tofront wall 22 to provide strength to box 10. Sidewalls 20 and front wall22 are inwardly disposed from the outer perimeter of bottom wall 18 suchthat a lower ledge is formed by the portion of bottom wall 18 thatextends beyond walls 20 and 22. Base 12 further includes at least butpreferably a plurality of retaining channels 26 extending inwardly fromfront wall 22. Each retaining channel includes an inner protuberance 28that may be perhaps seen in FIG. 15.

[0091] Box 10 further includes a rear wall 30 that is connected to base12 by a first living hinge 32. Rear wall 30 is connected to lid 14 by asecond living hinge 34. Both living hinges 32 and 34 are substantiallycontinuous along the length of rear wall 30. The implementation of twohinges 32 and 34 allows rear wall 30 to be folded downwardly away fromsidewalls 20 such that an item of recorded media may be more easilyremoved and inserted into box 10.

[0092] Lid 14 includes an upper wall 40 from which a pair of sidewalls42 and a front wall 44 extend. Sidewalls 42 and front wall 44 of lid 14are also disposed inwardly of the outer perimeter of upper wall 40 suchthat an upper ledge 46 substantially similar to lower ledge 24 isformed. Walls 42 and 44 of lid 14 are disposed inwardly slightly morethan walls 20 and 22 of base 12 such that walls 42 and 44 fit inwardlyof walls 20 and 22 when lid 14 is in the closed position. It isdesirable that walls 42 and 44 frictionally engage walls 20 and 22 whenlid 14 is in the closed position to create a frictional force that helpskeep lid 14 in the closed position. In addition to this frictionalforce, a retaining tab 48 extends from front wall 44 of lid 14 tocorrespond with each retaining channel 26 of base 12. Each retaining tab48 includes a protuberance 50 configured to cooperate with innerprotuberance 28 when lid 14 is in the closed position to hold lid 14 inthe closed position as depicted in FIG. 15.

[0093] In accordance with one of the primary objectives of the presentinvention, box 10 includes elements that enable box 10 to receive a lockthat locks lid 14 in the closed position when box 10 is removed from therental shelf and used to sell an item of recorded media. These elementsinclude the configuration of front wall 22 and at least one locking tab60 that extends from front wall 44 of lid 14. In accordance with one ofthe primary objectives of the present invention, box 10 includes atleast one locking tab 60, but preferably two locking tabs 60, thatextend from lid 14 with each tab 60 having a first locking hole 62therethrough. Front wall 22 of base 12 includes a second locking hole 64that is disposed to align with first locking hole 62 of locking tab 60when lid 14 is in the closed position as depicted in FIG. 14. As will bediscussed in more detail below, the alignment of holes 62 and 64 allowsbox 10 to be locked by an appropriate lock.

[0094] Wall 22 may further include a locking hole set 66 that mayinclude second locking hole 64. Each locking hole set 66 may include athird locking hole 68 that is positioned vertically below second lockinghole 64 for a purpose described in more detail below. Each locking holeset 66 may also include a pair of locking finger holes that areconfigured to receive a lock as is described below in more detail.

[0095] In accordance with another objective of the present invention, apair of protection ribs 72 extend between lower ledge 24 and upper ledge46 when lid 14 is in the closed position. Ribs 72 are disposed outwardof locking hole sets 66. Protection ribs 72, lower ledge 24, and upperledge 46 form a lock reception cavity 74 around locking hole sets 66.

[0096] It may thus be understood that box 10 is capable of holding anitem of recorded media (not shown) preferably an item that is beingrepeatedly rented. Box 10 is further capable of storing an item ofrecorded media while the item is displayed for sale and is configured toreceive a lock that prevents lid 14 from being opened when the lock isin place.

[0097] An alternative lockable box is depicted in FIG. 26 and isindicated generally at 80. Alternative embodiment of box 80 issubstantially similar to the embodiment of box 10 described in detailabove and thus similar numbers are used to refer to similar parts. Box80 includes a base 12 and a lid 14 as in the previously-describedembodiment. Base 12 includes a bottom wall 18 from which extend a pairof sidewalls 20 and a front wall 22. Lid 14 is hingedly attached to base12 by a pair of living hinges 32 and 34 and a rear wall 30.

[0098] Lid 14 includes an upper wall 40 from which a pair of sidewalls42 and a front wall 44 extend. Both walls 20, 22, and wall 42 and 44 aredisposed inwardly from the outer perimeters of bottom wall 18 and upperwall 40 to form a lower ledge 24 and an upper ledge 46. A plurality ofretaining tabs 48 extend from front wall 44 and carry protuberances 50that help frictionally engage base 12 to hold lid 14 in the closedposition.

[0099] Box 80 also includes at least one locking tab 90 extending fromat least one of sidewalls 42 of lid 14. Each locking tab 90 has a firstlocking hole 92 disposed therein. In the embodiment of box 80 depictedin FIG. 26, four locking tabs 90 extend from lid 14. In otherembodiments of the present invention, locking tabs 90 may only beprovided on one of sidewalls 42.

[0100] Sidewalls 20 of base 12 include a second locking hole 94 that isdisposed to align with first locking hole 92 when lid 14 is in theclosed position. Each second locking hole 94 is part of a locking holeset 96 that includes a third locking hole 98 and a pair of lockingfinger holes 100. A pair of protection ribs 102 extend outwardly fromeach sidewall 20 having locking hole sets 96. Protection ribs 102cooperate with lower ledge 24 and upper ledge 46 to define a lockreception cavity 104.

[0101] It may thus be understood that box 80 provides a lockable boxthat is capable of holding an item of recorded media during its rentalperiod and subsequent storage prior to sale. Box 80 is lockable when lid14 is in the closed position causing first locking holes 92 to alignwith second locking holes 94. In this position, a lock may be passedthrough these holes preventing lid 14 from being opened.

[0102] A first embodiment of a lock for either box 10 or 80 is depictedin FIGS. 3 through 5 and is indicated generally by the numeral 110. Lock110 generally includes a body 112, at least one locking pin 114, and atleast one locking finger 116. In general, at least one locking pin 114prevents box 10 or 80 from being opened when lock 110 lockably engagesbox 10 or 80. Locking fingers 116 provide the locked connection betweenlock 110 and box 10 or 80. Body 112 also defines a storage cavity 118.An EAS tag 120 may be disposed fully within cavity 118 such that noportion of EAS tag 120 protrudes beyond the boundaries of body 112 asmay be seen in FIG. 4. Body 112 also defines a key hole 130 that isdisposed in body 112 to align with each locking finger 116.

[0103] In addition to locking pins 114 and locking fingers 116, lock 110also includes a cantilevered arm 132 having an anchored end 134 and afree end 136 disposed adjacent one of locking fingers 116. Cantileveredarms 132 provide visual deterrents to a shoplifter by making lock 110appear more complicated to pick than it actually is by partiallyblocking key hole 130. It may be understood that one cantilevered arm132 may be disposed adjacent each locking finger as depicted in thedrawings but that other combinations are also contemplated by thepresent invention.

[0104] Each key hole 130 includes a first portion 140 that may besubstantially circular as depicted in the drawings and a second portion142 that may be rectangular as depicted in the drawings. As can be seenin FIG. 3, first portion 140 of each key hole 130 is disposed to alignwith a locking finger 116. It may also be seen that second portion 142is aligned with free end 136 of cantilevered arm 132.

[0105] Each locking finger 116 and cantilevered arm 132 is fabricated tobe resilient such that it may be urged away from its rest position by aforce and when the force is removed they return to the at rest positiondepicted in FIG. 5. Locking pins 114 are preferably fabricated from ametal that may not be easily sheared but may also be fabricated from asuitable plastic. Each locking pin 114 is long enough to pass throughboth front wall 22 and locking tab 60 of box 10 as specifically depictedin FIG. 14. Similarly, each locking finger 116 is configured to extendinto a locking finger hole 70 in front wall 22 of box 10 and engage therear surface 146 thereof as depicted in FIG. 11. Furthermore, eachcantilevered arm 132 has an angled face 148 that faces key hole 130.

[0106] In accordance with another objective of the present invention,lock 110 may not be easily pried from box 10 when lock 110 is lockedonto box 10. As may be seen in FIG. 11, body 112 includes a rectangularperimeter portion 150 having a height no greater than the depth of lowerledge 24 or upper ledge 46. Body 112 further includes a slanted portion152 that prevents a pry bar from gaining a solid grip on lock 110. Itmay thus be understood that lock 110 is partially disposed within lockreception cavity 74 of box 10 when lock 110 is in locked engagement withbox 10. In this position, ledges 24 and 46 cooperate with protectionribs 72 to prevent a pry bar from being inserted under lock 110.

[0107] Lock 110 is placed into locked engagement with box 10 by aligninglocking fingers 116 and locking pins 114 with the holes of locking holesets 66 and pressing lock 110 against box 10. The force causes lockingfingers 116 to flex inwardly and snap through locking finger holes 70 inwall 22. Holes 70 may have angled sidewalls to facilitate theengagement. Locking fingers 116 may also have angled edges thatcooperate with holes 70. When locking fingers 116 are fully inserted inholes 70, they snap back outwardly and engage inner surface 146 of frontwall 22. As may be seen in FIG. 11, lock 110 may not be removed untillocking fingers 116 are urged inwardly. While in the locked position,locking pins 114 of lock 110 are received in holes 64 and 68 of lockinghole set 66.

[0108] As may be seen in FIG. 14, pin 114 received in second lockinghole 64 is also received in first locking hole 62 of locking tab 60 tolock lid 14 in a closed position. Locking pin 114 received in the thirdlocking hole 68 provides stability to lock 110 but does not engage lid14 in the embodiment of the invention depicted in the drawings. In otheralternative embodiments, both locking pins 114 may engage lid 14.

[0109] It may be understood that lock 110 may be attached to box 10 intwo orientations due to the symmetry of locking pins 114, lockingfingers 116, and locking hole sets 66. Such symmetry allows lock 110 tobe quickly and easily installed on box 10 without concern for the properalignment of pins 114 and fingers 116.

[0110] A key for use with lock 110 is depicted in FIGS. 6 through 9 andis indicated generally at 160. Key 160 includes a spine 162 from whichextends key shanks 164. Key shanks 164 are configured to be slidablyreceived in first portion 140 of key hole 130. Each shank 164 has atooth 166 extending therefrom that is configured to be slidably receivedin second portion 142 of key hole 130. Each tooth 166 has a chiseledface 168 that engages free end 136 of cantilevered arm 132 when key 160is inserted into a fully engaged position with lock 110. When fullyengaged, each tooth 166 engages cantilevered arm 132 and urges it to oneside or the other as depicted in FIG. 16. When key 160 is in the fullyengaged position, each shank 164 engages locking finger 116 to urge itinwardly such that lock 110 may be removed from box 10 as depicted inFIGS. 12 and 13. It may be understood that key 160 is also symmetricsuch that it may be properly inserted into lock 110 in either of twoorientations.

[0111] It may thus be understood that box 10 may not be opened when lock110 is in locked engagement with box 10. Lid 14 of box 10 may not beopened because at least one of locking pins 114 extends through frontwall 22 of base 12 and at least one locking tab 60 of lid 14. Further, ashoplifter cannot remove EAS tag 120 from lock 110 without eitherremoving or damaging lock 110. Lock 110 may not be removed without key160 because at least one locking finger 116 lockingly engages front wall22 of box 10 until urged out of engagement by shanks 164 of key 160.Thus the objectives of the invention are achieved by box 10, lock 110,and key 160.

[0112] A second embodiment of a lock for either box 10 or 80 is depictedin FIGS. 17 through 19 and is indicated generally at 210. Lock 210generally includes a body 212, at least one locking pin 214, and atleast one locking finger 216. In general, at least one locking pin 214prevents box 10 or 80 from being opened when lock 210 lockingly engagesbox 10 or 80. Locking fingers 216 provide the locked connection betweenlock 210 and box 10 or 80. Body 212 also defines a storage cavity 218.An EAS tag 220 may be disposed fully within cavity 218 such that noportion of EAS tag 220 protrudes beyond the boundaries of body 212 as isseen in FIGS. 19 and 22. Body 212 also defines a pair of key slots 230that are disposed on either end of lock 210. Each locking pin 214 ispreferably fabricated from a metal that is anchored in body 212 of lock210. Metal is preferred because it may not easily be sheared but othersuitable plastics may be used in place of metal locking pins 214 withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Each locking pin 214is long enough to pass through both front wall 22 and locking tab 66 ofbox 10 as is specifically depicted in FIG. 25.

[0113] Each locking finger 216 is configured to extend into a lockingfinger hole 70 in front wall 22 of box 10 and engage rear surface 146thereof as depicted in FIG. 22. Each locking finger 216 is integrallyconnected to a resilient arm 232 and a pivot arm 234. Locking fingers216, resilient arms 232, and pivot arms 234 are pivotally carried bybody 212 on a pivot pin 236 that is clamped between a first flange 238and a second flange 240. To allow locking fingers 216 to be pivoted by akey which is generally indicated at 260, a metal clip 242 is carried bypivot arm 234. Clip 242 must be fabricated from a material that ismagnetically attractive so that pivot arm 234 may be moved by magneticforce.

[0114] In accordance with another object of the present invention, lock210 may not be easily pried from box 10 when lock 210 is locked onto box10. As seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, body 212 includes a curved portion 252that prevents a pry bar from gaining a solid grip on lock 210. Body 212is also configured to fit closely within lock reception cavity 74 of box10. In this position, ledges 24 and 46 cooperate with protection ribs 72to prevent a pry bar from being inserted under lock 210.

[0115] Lock 210 is placed into locked engagement with box 10 by aligninglocking fingers 216 and locking pins 214 with the holes of locking holeset 66 and pressing lock 210 against box 10. The force causes lockingfingers 216 to engage front wall 22 adjacent holes 70 causing resilientarms 232 to flex allowing locking fingers 216 to snap into holes 70 andengage rear surface 146 of front wall 22. Holes 70 may have angledsidewalls to facilitate the engagement. Locking fingers 216 may alsohave angled edges that cooperate with holes 70. When locking fingers 216are fully inserted in holes 70, they snap back outwardly due to theresilient force of resilient arms 232. As is seen in FIG. 22, lock 210may not be removed from box 10 until locking fingers 216 are urgedinwardly. While in the locked position, locking pins 214 of lock 210 arereceived in holes 64 and 68 of locking hole set 66. As seen in FIG. 25,pin 214 received in second locking hole 64 is also received in firstlocking hole 62 of locking tab 60 to lock lid 14 in a closed position.Locking pin 214 received in third locking hole 68 provides stability tolock 210 but does not engage lid 14 in the embodiment of the inventiondepicted in the drawings. In other alternative embodiments, both lockingpins 214 may engage lid 14.

[0116] Lock 210 may be attached to box 10 in two orientations due to thesymmetry of locking pins 214, locking fingers 216, and locking hole set66. Such symmetry allows lock 210 to be quickly and easily installed onbox 10 without concern for the proper alignment of pins 214 and fingers216.

[0117] A key for use with lock 210 is depicted in FIG. 20 and isindicated generally at 260. Key 260 includes a spine 262 and a pair ofarms 264. Each arm 264 carries a magnet 266 that is strong enough topull pivot arm 234 toward itself while flexing resilient arm 232 tocause locking finger 216 to release wall 22. Magnets 266 are positionedsuch that their magnetic field does not damage the item of recordedmedia (not shown) carried in box 10 or EAS tag 220. This protection isprovided in part by the configuration of lock body 212 in that it placesmultiple layers of body 212 material between magnet 266 and box 10.Further protection is provided by the arrangement of magnets 266 suchthat their strongest magnetic field is directed away from interior ofbox 10. Spine 262 and arms 264 are configured to place arms 264 withinslots 230 when key 260 engages lock 210. This position is depicted inFIG. 23. In this position, magnets 266 attract pivot arms 234 causinglocking fingers 216 to disengage wall 22. Magnets 266 are strong enoughto flex resilient arms 232. When key 260 is removed from lock 210,resilient arms 232 return to their at rest position and reset lock 210.Key 260 is also symmetric such that it may be properly inserted intolock 210 in either of two orientations.

[0118] Another embodiment of the box or security storage container ofthe present invention is indicated generally by the numeral 300 in FIGS.27-53. Security storage container 300 includes a base 312 and a lid 314hingedly connected to base 312 and moveable between open and closedpositions. The open position is depicted in FIGS. 27 and 28 with theclosed position being depicted in FIG. 38. When security storagecontainer 300 is in the open position, an item of recorded media 315such as a CD or DVD may be placed into storage container 300 or removedfrom storage container 300. In the embodiment of storage container 300depicted in the drawings, base 312 is configured to receive a CD or DVDon a mounting hub 316 (see FIG. 45). Hub 316 may be any of a variety ofhubs known in the art adapted to hold a CD or DVD 315 on hub 316. In theembodiment of the invention depicted in the drawings, hub 316 includes asupport shelf 317 disposed above the inner surface of base 312 and atleast a pair of protuberances 319 that are disposed over the uppersurface of disc 315 to hold disc 315 on hub 316. In addition toprotuberances 319, storage container 300 includes a retaining ring 321that extends inwardly from lid 314. Ring 321 overlies hub 316 andprevents disc 315 from falling off of hub 316 even when container 300 issubjected to impact forces. Ring 321 may be continuous or broken intoindividual portions.

[0119] Although the specific embodiment of storage container 300 shownin the drawings is designed to hold a CD or DVD, those skilled in theart will understand that the concepts of the present invention may beemployed with a wide variety of differently shaped storage containersconfigured to hold other types of recorded media such as video gamecartridges, cassette tapes, compact discs, DVDs, computer discs, VHStapes, video tapes, digital audio tapes, and the like. The CD/DVDstorage container depicted in the drawings only provides an example ofthe present invention to provide an embodiment on which to describe theelements of the invention and their interrelationship.

[0120] Base 312 generally includes a bottom wall 318 from which projectsa pair of sidewalls 320 and a front wall 322. Sidewalls 320 areconnected to front wall 322 to provide strength to storage container300. Front wall 322 is inwardly disposed from the outer perimeter ofbottom wall 318 such that a lower ledge 324 is formed by the bottomportion of bottom wall 318 that extends beyond wall 322. Sidewalls 320are preferably disposed very close to the outer perimeter of bottom wall318 so that a shoplifter cannot grasp the protruding portion of bottomwall 318 and tear bottom wall 318 away from sidewalls 320. Base 312further includes latches 325 that are configured to engage 314 as willbe described in more detail below.

[0121] Base 312 of storage container 300 further includes a rear wall330 that is connected to bottom wall 318 by a first living hinge 332.Rear wall 330 is connected to lid 314 by a second living hinge 334. Bothliving hinges 332 and 334 are substantially continuous along the lengthof rear wall 330 with the exception of strengthening ribs 331 depictedin FIG. 32. Strengthening ribs 331 are breaks in living hinges 332 and334 that strengthen hinges 332 and 334 against tearing. Ribs 331 arepreferably fabricated adjacent the outer edge of wall 300.

[0122] Lid 314 includes an upper wall 340 from which a pair of sidewalls342 and a front wall 344 extend. Sidewalls 342 and front wall 344 of lid314 are disposed inwardly of the outer perimeter of upper wall 340 suchthat an upper ledge 346 is formed. Walls 342 and 344 of lid 314 aredisposed inwardly more than walls 320 and 322 of base 312 such thatwalls 342 and 344 fit inwardly of walls 320 and 322 when lid 314 is inthe closed position. Walls 342 and 344 frictionally engage walls 320 and322 when lid 314 is moved to the closed position to create africtionally holding force that helps keep lid 314 in the closedposition. In addition to this frictional force, latches 325 engage wall344 to hold lid 314 closed.

[0123] In accordance with one of the objectives of the presentinvention, storage container 300 includes elements that enable storagecontainer to receive a lock that locks lid 314 in the closed positionwhen the user of storage container 300 desires to prevent access to theitem of recorded media stored in storage container 300. These elementsinclude at least one but preferably four first locking holes 362 definedby front wall 322 of base 312. Front wall 344 of lid 314 includescorresponding second locking holes 364 that align with first lockingholes 362 when lid 314 is in the closed position. The alignment of holes362 and 364 allows storage container 300 to be locked with anappropriate lock.

[0124] Front wall 322 may additionally include an additional set ofthird locking holes 366 that correspond to fourth locking holes 368defined by wall 344. In accordance with one of the objectives of thepresent invention, holes 362, 364, and 366 are symmetrically disposed inwalls 322 and 344 so that the lock used to lock lid 314 may be installedin two configurations.

[0125] In accordance with another objective of the present invention, apair of protection ribs 372 extend from base 312 between lower ledge 324and upper ledge 346 when lid 314 is in the closed position. Ribs 372 aredisposed outward of locking holes 362, 364, and 366 to form a lockreception cavity 374 around the locking holes.

[0126] The locking holes of storage container 300 may also be formed onwalls 320 and 342 if desired.

[0127] Base 312 and lid 314 include various elements that help tosecurely hold base 312 and lid 314 together when storage container 300is locked. These elements help to prevent the shoplifter from pryingcontainer 300 open by prying the corners and joints of container 300apart when container 300 is locked.

[0128] One of the security elements is a pair of L-shaped walls 380formed on base 312 adjacent hinge 332 and sidewalls 320. L-shaped walls380 receive the end portions of walls 342 of lid 314 when lid 314 is inthe closed position as depicted in FIGS. 39 and 41. As perhaps bestshown in FIG. 40, the inner end of wall 342 includes a step 382 thatcorresponds with L-shaped wall 380 so that step 382 abuts wall 380 whenlid 314 is closed as depicted in FIG. 41. Each L-shaped wall 380includes a first portion disposed substantially parallel to hinge 332that prevents wall 342 from being moved toward wall 330 when lid 314 isclosed. Each L-shaped wall 380 further includes a second portiondisposed substantially parallel to walls 320 that prevents walls 320 and342 from being pushed inwardly when lid 314 is closed. The cooperationof L-shaped walls 380 and walls 342 thus reinforce the connection of lid314 and base 312 adjacent hinges 332 and 334 and help resist an attackby a shoplifter in these areas.

[0129] The inner end of each wall 320 includes an extension 384 thatextends outwardly from wall 320 to the end of wall 330 as shown in FIG.39. Extension 384 prevents the shoplifter from grasping or striking wall330 in an attempt to break living hinges 332 or 334 and access thestorage compartment of container 300 through wall 330.

[0130] Another security element is a pair of corner walls 386 extendingupwardly from wall 318 adjacent the intersection of walls 320 and wall322. Corner walls 386 form channels that snugly receive the corners 388on lid 314 where walls 342 and 344 intersect. FIG. 46 also shows thereception of corners 388 in between corner walls 386 and walls 320/322.This arrangement increases the rigidity of container 300.

[0131] Another security feature is a dovetailed connection between thelock 390 and container 300. The dovetailed connection between the twoelements is achieved by providing a pair of inwardly projecting maledovetailed lugs 392 on base 312 that preferably project inwardly fromprotection ribs 372 as shown in FIG. 29. Lock 390 defines femaledovetailed slots 394 at its ends that cooperate with lugs 392 so that asnug, sliding connection is formed when lock 390 is mounted in lockreception cavity 374. The dovetailed connection between lock 390 andcontainer 300 helps container 300 to resist prying forces imparted by ashoplifter who is trying to break into container 300.

[0132] The outer dimensions of lock 390 allow lock 390 to be entirelydisposed within lock reception cavity 374 in the locked position. Lock390 includes a set of first lock pins 396 that are spaced and configuredto be received in lock holes 362 and 364 to prevent lid 314 from beingmoved away from the closed position when lock 390 is in the lockedposition. In the preferred embodiment, lock 390 includes four first lockpins 398. Lock 390 also includes four guide pins 398 that are configuredand arranged to be received in holes 366/368 formed in base 312 and lid314. Guide pins 398 also lock lid 314 to base 312 thus increasing thenumber of security elements from four to eight.

[0133] Lock 390 is locked to container 300 with locking fingers 402.Each locking finger 402 is preferably formed from a resilient materialsuch as spring steel that is flexible but will return to its originalposition. Each locking finger 402 includes a hooked end 404 configuredto be received in lock cavities 406 when lock 390 is pulled away fromcontainer 300. Lock fingers 402 also pass through walls 322 and 344creating four more elements holding walls 322 and 344 together when lock390 is in the locked position. Lock fingers 402 are inserted throughlocking finger holes 408 defined by walls 322 and 344. In the preferredembodiment of the invention, lock fingers 402 are disposed between guidepins 398 with both guide pins 398 and lock fingers 402 disposed betweenpairs of first lock pins 396.

[0134] Lock 390 further includes pin openings 410 that allow key pins412 on a key 414 to move locking fingers 402 from the locked to theunlocked position. In the preferred embodiment, one pin opening 410 isaligned with each lock finger 402. Locking finger holes 408 formed inwall 344 include an angled wall 416 that directs key pins 412 towardlocking finger 402 to insure that locking finger 402 is properly movedfrom the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0135] Key pins 412 are arranged on key 414 to coincide with each lockfinger 402. Key 414 includes a body 420 and a base 422. Key pins 412 areanchored in base 422 and extend upwardly through body 420. Body 420includes a fixed perimeter portion 424 and a moveable portion 426.Moveable portion 426 is mounted on a pair of resilient members such assprings 428 between upper and lower positions. Key pins 412 extend upthrough moveable portion 426 and are just barely visible above the uppersurface of moveable portion 426 when moveable portion 426 is in theupper position as depicted in FIG. 44. When moveable portion 426 ismoved to the lower position, key pins 412 extend up farther as shown inFIG. 50. A lock 430 is carried on moveable portion 426 and allowsmoveable portion 426 to be locked in the upper position so that key 414may not be used.

[0136] Moveable portion 426 includes a tray 432 configured to receivelock 390 when lock 390 is removed from container 300. A second tray 434engages container 300 and prevents container 300 from moving down intotray 432.

[0137] Security storage container 300 functions by first placing disc315 over hub 316 and moving lid 314 to the closed position. The user maythen insert lock 390 into lock reception cavity 374 so that lid 314 islocked in the closed position. When the user wishes to open lid 314,container 300 and lock 390 are lowered onto key 414 until container 300engages tray 434. The engagement of container 300 and tray 434 allowsthe user to move moveable portion 426 downwardly so that key pins 412move up through lock 390 to release lock fingers 402 from container 300.When released, lock 390 falls into tray 432 and the user may removecontainer 300 and open lid 314. Lock 390 may be reused on container 300or any other similar container 300.

[0138] Another embodiment of the security storage container of thepresent invention is indicated generally by the numeral 500 in FIGS.54-56 and 59-60. Security storage container 500 generally includes astorage container 502 and a lock 504 that is configured to lock storagecontainer 502 in a closed position until lock 504 is removed fromcontainer 502. In this embodiment of the invention, lock 504 is intendedto be sold along with container 502 and the item of recorded mediastored therein to the consumer wherein the consumer removes lock 504 anddiscards lock 504. Lock 504 is thus a single-use lock that is intendedto be destroyed when it is removed from storage container 502.

[0139] In the embodiments of the invention depicted in the drawings,storage container 502 is configured to hold a disc-shaped item ofrecorded media such as a CD or a DVD. Storage container 502 may also beconfigured to hold other types of recorded media such as those describedabove with respect to the other embodiments of the invention.

[0140] Storage container 502 includes a base 506 and a lid 508. Base 506includes a hinge wall 510 that hinges base 506 to lid 508. Hinge wall510 is preferably includes a first living hinge 512. Hinge wall 510 ispreferably connected to lid 508 by second living hinge 514. Base 506 andlid 508 cooperate to entirely surround the item of recorded media storedin container 502. Container 502 may include some type of holding deviceto mount the item of recorded media while the item of recorded media isstored within container 502. The holding device may be one of thenumerous hubs known in the art.

[0141] Base 506 also includes a bottom wall 516, a pair of sidewalls518, and a front wall 520. Lid 508 includes a top wall 522, a pair ofsidewalls 524, and a front wall 526.

[0142] Front wall 520 of base 506 includes a concave indentation 530that is defined by a rear wall 532 and a lower wall 534. Front wall 520also includes an upwardly extending lip 536 extending across cavity 530in front of rear wall 532.

[0143] Front wall 526 also includes a cavity 540 that substantiallymatches cavity 530 described above. Cavity 540 is defined by rear wall542 and a upper wall 544. Front wall 526 also includes a lip 546extending across cavity 540 in front of rear wall 542. When lid 508 isin the closed position as depicted in the drawings, cavities 530 and 540cooperate to form a lock reception cavity configured to entirely receivelock 504. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, lock 504 doesnot protrude out of the lock reception cavity when lock 504 is in thelocked position as depicted in FIGS. 56 and 60. In accordance with oneof the objectives of the present invention, lock reception cavity is thesame concave cavity formed in most existing front walls of existingstorage containers.

[0144] Security storage container 500 includes at least one, butpreferably two, lock holes 550 defined by rear walls 532 and 542. Lock504 includes lock fingers 552 disposed on lock 504 to engage lock holes550 when lock 504 is positioned in the lock reception cavity. Each lockfinger 552 includes a protuberance 554 that is sized somewhat largerthan the diameter or opening of its lock hole 550 so that lock 504cannot be easily pulled back out of the lock reception cavity once lockfingers 552 and protuberances 554 are snapped through lock holes 550.Protuberances 554 are fabricated from a material that is pliable orflexible enough to be forced through lock holes 550. Each protuberance554 is configured to have a catch surface that prevents protuberance 554from being easily pulled back through lock hole 550. In the embodimentof the invention depicted in FIG. 56, each protuberance 554 extendsentirely around lock finger 552. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 60,each protuberance 554 extends around only half of lock finger 552.

[0145] Lock 504 is configured to be disposed entirely within the lockreception cavity in the preferred embodiments of the invention so that ashoplifter cannot easily grasp lock 504 and pull lock 504 away fromcontainer 502. In other embodiments of the invention, lock 504 may besubstantially disposed within the lock reception cavity such thatportions of lock 504 may extend from the lock reception cavity but thoseportions would be difficult to grasp by the shoplifter. In accordancewith another objective of the invention and as shown in FIGS. 55 and 59,lock 504 substantially fills the lock reception cavity so that theshoplifter cannot easily insert a thick pry bar between walls 520/526and lock 504.

[0146] When lock 504 is installed by snapping lock fingers 552 throughlock holes 550, lid 508 may not be moved from the closed position to anopen position without removing lock 504 or destroying another portion ofcontainer 502. Lock 504 is designed to be sold to the consumer alongwith container 502 and the item of recorded media stored in container502. The consumer removes lock 504 by destroying lock 504. In theembodiment depicted in FIGS. 54-56, lock 504 is formed with a centrallydisposed opening 560 that allows the consumer to cut lock 504 into twopieces by using a knife or a pair of scissors. Opening 560 allowsrelatively easy access to lock 504 during the cutting procedure. Lock504 may additionally include visible cut lines 562 that show theconsumer where the cuts must be made to open container 502. Cut lines562 may be perforations formed in lock 504 or simply lines formed on theouter surface of lock 504. After lock 504 is cut into two pieces, lid508 may be moved to the open position and the consumer may remove thepieces of lock 504 by pushing lock fingers 552 back through holes 550 orby severing protuberances 554 and removing lock 504.

[0147] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 59 and 60,lock 504 includes a plurality of spaced, aligned openings 564 that allowthe consumer to cut lock 504 into two pieces to allow container 502 tobe opened.

[0148] Another embodiment of the security storage container of thepresent invention is indicated generally by the numeral 600 in FIGS. 57and 58. Security storage container 600 includes storage container 502described above and a lock 604 that holds lid 508 in the closed positionwith respect to base 506 when lock 604 is in the locked position.

[0149] Lock 604 is configured to extend over at least a portion of fivewalls of container 502 to hold container 502 in the closed positionuntil lock 604 is removed. In the preferred embodiment of the invention,lock 604 is snapped onto the end of container 502 that opens oppositehinge wall 510 as depicted in FIG. 57.

[0150] Lock 604 includes a front wall 610 configured to be slightlylarger than a combination of walls 520 and 526 of container 502. A pairof sidewalls 612, a top wall 614, and a bottom wall 616 extendrearwardly from front wall 610 to form a container reception cavity 618.Walls 612, 614, and 616 are configured to snugly and frictionally engagecontainer 502 about the perimeter of container 502 and at leastpartially cover or engage four of the walls of container 502. In theembodiment depicted in the drawings, sidewalls 612 engage walls 518 and524, top wall 614 covers or engages wall 522, and bottom wall 616 coversor engages wall 516. Front wall 610 covers front walls 520 and 526 ofcontainer 502.

[0151] Lock 604 includes a plurality of lock fingers 620 that extendrearwardly from front wall 610. Each lock finger 620 includes aprotuberance 622 in the form of a hook configured to engage a lip 536 or546 to hold lock 604 securely on container 502 so that it cannot beeasily removed. Each protuberance 622 preferably has an angled surfacethat engages the outer edge of lip 536 or 546 as lock 604 is beingplaced on container 502. The force created by the angled wall bends lockfinger 620 around lip 536 or 546 until the catch surface of finger 620snaps behind lip 536 or 546 to secure lock 604 to container 502.

[0152] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 57 and 58,lock 604 includes a plurality of openings 630 that are spaced apart andaligned. Openings 630 allow the consumer to cut lock 604 into two halvesto remove it from container 502 after security container 600 ispurchased and removed from the retail establishment. Lock 604 mayfurther include cut lines 632 that identify the areas that must be cutto remove lock 604 from container 502. In the preferred embodiment, lock604 only includes opening 630. In other embodiments, lock 604 mayinclude additional openings 634 that provide additional openings for theconsumer to attack lock 604.

[0153] Another embodiment of the security storage container of thepresent invention is indicated generally by the numeral 650 in FIGS.61-64. Security storage container 650 includes storage container 502 anda lock 654 that may be selectively locked to and unlocked from container502. Lock 654 is thus reusable and may be removed by a retail clerk whencontainer 502 is sold. Lock 654 includes many of the same elementsdiscussed above with respect to lock 604 and the same numbers are usedto refer to these elements.

[0154] Lock 654 includes lock fingers 660 that are configured to engagelips 536 and 546. Lock fingers 660 include protuberances 662 that catchon lips 536 and 546 in a manner similar to protuberances 622 describedabove. Each lock finger 660 in lock 654 is configured so that it may bemoved from a locked position to an unlocked position by a key pin 670.In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, key 654 includes a pluralityof lock fingers 660 projecting upwardly and a plurality of lock fingersprojecting downwardly. Each upwardly projecting lock fingers 660 isaligned with a key hole 672 with each downwardly projecting lock fingers660 being aligned with a key hole 674 (FIGS. 61 and 62). Key hole 672and 674 allow the user to insert key pin 670 as shown in FIG. 63. Keypins 670 engage lock fingers 660 to move them from the locked positionto the unlocked position as depicted in the arrows drawn in FIG. 63.Once lock fingers 660 are in the unlocked position, the user maywithdraw lock 654 from container 502 and reuse lock 654.

[0155] Those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurationsfor lock fingers 660 and key holes 672 and 674 may be used withoutdeparting from the concepts of the present invention. In accordance withthe objectives of the present invention, lock 654 may be used to lockcontainer 502 without altering container 502. Container 502 does notrequire holes to be formed in any walls for lock 654 to properlyfunction.

[0156] The improved lockable media storage box with lock and key issimplified, provides an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficientdevice which achieves all the enumerated objectives, provides foreliminating difficulties encountered with prior devices, and solvesproblems and obtains new results in the art.

[0157] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used forbrevity, clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary limitationsare to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art,because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended tobe broadly construed.

[0158] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is byway of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to theexact details shown or described.

[0159] Having now described the features, discoveries, and principles ofthe invention, the manner in which the lockable media storage box withlock and key is constructed and used, the characteristics of theconstruction, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained; thenew and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, andcombinations are set forth in the appended claims.

1. A security storage container for holding an item of recorded media;the security storage container comprising: a container having a frontwall; the front wall defining a cavity; the container having opposedlips that overhang portions of the cavity; a lock having a first lockfinger and a second lock finger; the first lock finger engaging the lipon the base; and the second lock finger engaging the lip on the lid; andthe container being locked in the closed position when the lock fingersof the lock engage the lips on the lid and base.
 2. The container ofclaim 1, wherein each lock finger pivots between the locked position andthe unlocked position.
 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the lockdefines a key hole that is aligned with each lock finger; the key holebeing adapted to receive a key pin that moves the lock finger from thelocked position to the unlocked position.
 4. The container of claim 1,wherein the lock includes at least one wall that overlies the outside ofthe container when the lock is locked to the container.
 5. The containerof claim 1, wherein the lock includes at least two opposed walls thatoverlie the outside of the container when the lock is locked to thecontainer.
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein the lock includes fourwalls that overlie the outside of the container when the lock is lockedto the container.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein the lock definesat least one opening that divides the lock into two portions; theopenings being configured to allow the consumer to cut the lock into thetwo portion and remove each portion from the container.
 8. A securitystorage container for holding an item of recorded media comprising: abase adapted to hold an item of recorded media; a lid connected to thebase and moveable between open and closed positions; the base defining afirst portion of a lock reception cavity; the lid defining a secondportion of a lock reception cavity; the first and second portions of thelock reception cavity cooperating to form a lock reception cavity whenthe lid is in the closed position; the lock being selectively locked tothe security storage container to lock the lid in the closed position;and no portion of the lock extending from the lock reception cavity whenthe lock is locked to the container.
 9. The container of claim 8,wherein the base includes a front wall; the front wall of the baseincluding a rear wall that defines a portion of the first portion of thelock reception cavity; and the lid including a front wall; the frontwall of the lid including a rear wall that defines a portion of thesecond portion of the lock reception cavity.
 10. The container of claim9, wherein the rear wall of the front wall of the base defines a lockinghole; and the rear wall of the front wall of the lid defines a lockinghole.
 11. The container of claim 9, wherein the lock has a first memberand a second member; the first and second members being spaced apart;the first member of the lock being disposed in the locking hole definedby the rear wall of the front wall of the base when the lock is lockingthe lid in the closed position; and the second member of the lock beingdisposed in the locking hole defined by the rear wall of the front wallof the lid when the lock is locking the lid in the closed position. 12.The container of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and secondmembers includes a protuberance that holds the member to the container.13. The container of claim 12, wherein the lock defines at least oneopening that divides the lock into two portions; the openings beingconfigured to allow the consumer to cut the lock into the two portionand remove each portion from the container.
 14. A security storagecontainer for holding an item of recorded media comprising: a baseadapted to hold an item of recorded media; a lid connected to the baseand moveable between open and closed positions; the container having afront wall that defines a lock reception cavity; the front wall of thecontainer having a rear wall that defines a portion of the lockreception cavity; the rear wall of the front wall defining a lockinghole; a lock having at least a first lock member; the lock beinglockable to the container to hold the lid in a closed, locked position;the at least first lock member being disposed in the locking holedefined by the rear wall when the lock is locked to the container; and asubstantial portion of the lock being disposed in the lock receptioncavity when the lock is in the locked position.
 15. The container ofclaim 14, wherein the container includes lips that overhang the lockreception cavity; the lock being disposed between the lips when the lockis locked to the container.
 16. The container of claim 15, wherein thelips are substantially parallel to the rear wall of the front wall. 17.The container of claim 14, wherein the first lock member includes aprotuberance that engages the container to prevent the lock from beingremoved from the container when the lock is locked to the container. 18.The container of claim 17, wherein the lock includes a second lockmember that engages the container when the lock is locked to thecontainer.
 19. The container of claim 18, wherein the second lock memberengages the lid and the first lock member engages the base.
 20. Thecontainer of claim 19, wherein the lid and base cooperate to define thelock reception cavity.